Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Whether your job has well-known risks or is deemed relatively safe, the reality is that a workplace accident could occur at any time, in any industry for any reason. It may be a fall from great height at a construction accident, a trip and fall in the office, an object falling at a factory or even slipping on a spilt liquid in the hallway. No matter the cause, if a worker was injured in the workplace setting while on the clock, it may be possible to secure workers’ compensation benefits.

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated program that provides payments made to an employee who was injured or became disabled from an incident connected with their work. For federal employees, the federal government has their own workers’ compensation program.

Typically, an employee is able to receive these benefits for an injury or disability no matter who was at fault. These benefits come from workers’ compensation insurance, which is designed to stop an employee from suing an employer in exchange for monetary benefits to address losses suffered.

When an employee files a claim for workers’ compensation and is approved, there is a wide range of expenses that are covered. This includes medical bills, lost wages, costs associated with retraining and compensation for permanent injuries. In cases where a worker was killed on the job, survivor benefits are available to the deceased worker’s family members.

Those injured or disabled due to a work injury are likely to suffer many losses. This can get extensive and overwhelming. Thus, it is important that workers understand their rights and how best to navigate any disputes that may arise in his or her pursuit for workers’ compensation.